CERTIFIED H-1B FY 2021

SMH Counselor III

ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES · Oakland, California

Case #I-200-20310-901406

ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES filed an H-1B petition for a SMH Counselor III position in Oakland, California at $52k per year — 0% above the prevailing wage of $52k. The case was certified in 8 days during the FY FY2021 cycle. This position is for continued employment.

$52k
Annual Salary
up to $54k
$52k
Prevailing Wage
+0.1%
Wage Premium
1
Positions

Filing Details

Case NumberI-200-20310-901406
Case StatusCertified
Visa ClassH-1B
Fiscal YearFY 2021
EmployerASIAN HEALTH SERVICES
Employer LocationOakland, California
Job TitleSMH Counselor III
SOC Code21-101400 – Mental Health Counselors
WorksiteOakland, California
Annual Wage$52k – $54k
Prevailing Wage$52k
Wage Premium+0.1%
Positions1 (0 new, 0 continued)

Timeline

Nov 5, 2020
Received
Nov 13, 2020
Decision
Nov 30, 2020
Employment Start
Nov 29, 2023
Employment End

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About This H-1B Filing

This Labor Condition Application (LCA) was filed by ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES for the position of SMH Counselor III in Oakland, California. The offered annual salary is $52k, compared to the prevailing wage of $52k for this occupation and location. This represents a wage premium of +0.1% above the prevailing wage.

The LCA is the first step in the H-1B visa process. Employers must file an LCA with the Department of Labor certifying that they will pay the foreign worker at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment. A certified LCA is required before the employer can file an H-1B petition with USCIS.

Case status: Certified. This means the Department of Labor has certified that the employer meets the wage and working condition requirements.

Understanding This LCA Filing

A Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a mandatory document that U.S. employers must file with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) before they can petition for a foreign worker under the H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 visa categories. The LCA process was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to protect both foreign and domestic workers by ensuring fair wages and working conditions.

Why Employers File LCAs

When a U.S. company identifies a foreign national to fill a specialty occupation position, they must first obtain DOL certification through the LCA process before filing the H-1B petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In this case, ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES filed LCA case number I-200-20310-901406 to sponsor a SMH Counselor III position at their worksite in Oakland, California. By filing this LCA, the employer attests to four key conditions: (1) paying the higher of the actual wage or prevailing wage, (2) providing working conditions that will not adversely affect other similarly employed workers, (3) no strike or lockout at the worksite, and (4) providing notice of the filing to the bargaining representative or posting notice at the worksite.

What Wage Levels Mean

The DOL establishes four wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, representing the progression from entry-level to fully competent workers:

For this filing, the offered wage of $52k compares to the DOL prevailing wage of $52k for Mental Health Counselors positions in the Oakland, California area. The positive wage premium of +0.1% indicates the employer is offering above the DOL-determined average for this occupation and location.

What is Prevailing Wage?

The prevailing wage is the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area of intended employment. The DOL determines prevailing wages using data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employers must pay H-1B workers the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to other employees in similar positions at the company. This requirement is designed to prevent employers from using H-1B workers to undercut domestic wages.

How to Interpret This Data

What Certified Means for This Application

A "Certified" status means the DOL has reviewed ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES's attestations and determined that the LCA meets all regulatory requirements. The employer has demonstrated that the offered wage of $52k meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for SMH Counselor III positions in the Oakland, California area. It is important to understand that LCA certification does not guarantee H-1B visa approval. The next step is for the employer to file Form I-129 with USCIS, which evaluates whether the position qualifies as a specialty occupation and whether the beneficiary has the required qualifications.

Processing Time

This LCA was received by the DOL on Nov 5, 2020 and a decision was rendered on Nov 13, 2020, a processing time of approximately 8 business days. The standard DOL processing time for LCA applications is 7 to 10 business days. This application was processed within the standard timeframe.

Comparing to Industry Standards

The offered salary of $52k for this SMH Counselor III position provides a data point for evaluating compensation trends in H-1B visa sponsorship. When reviewing H-1B salary data, consider that wages vary significantly based on geographic location, employer size, industry sector, and the worker's experience level. This position falls under SOC code 21-101400 (Mental Health Counselors), which standardizes how the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies occupations across industries. Metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle typically command higher salaries due to higher costs of living, while positions in smaller markets may offer lower nominal wages but comparable purchasing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for this SMH Counselor III position?

The offered annual salary for this SMH Counselor III position at ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES is $52k to $54k. The Department of Labor prevailing wage for this occupation and location is $52k. The offered wage represents a +0.1% premium over the prevailing wage.

Where is this SMH Counselor III job located?

This H-1B filing is for a position located in Oakland, California. The employing company, ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES, is headquartered in Oakland, California.

What visa type is this filing for?

This Labor Condition Application is filed under the H-1B visa classification. The H-1B visa is designed for specialty occupation workers who possess at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field related to the job.

Who is the employer for this H-1B filing?

The employer for this filing is ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES, located in Oakland, California. ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES filed this Labor Condition Application (case number I-200-20310-901406) for a SMH Counselor III position during fiscal year FY 2021. View all ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES H-1B filings.

What does LCA “Certified” mean?

Certified means the U.S. Department of Labor has approved this Labor Condition Application, confirming that ASIAN HEALTH SERVICES has attested to meeting all wage and working condition requirements. A certified LCA does not guarantee H-1B visa approval — the employer must still file a separate petition (Form I-129) with USCIS.

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